Clutch.



0. W. MUELLER.

CLUTCH.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 30. 1914.

Patent/ed June 1, 1915.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I THE NORRIS FETERE 60., PHOT0-LITHO., WASHINGTON, By C 0. w. MUELLER.

v CLUTCH. APPLICATION FILED APR. 30, I914.

Patefited June 1, 191 5.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 THE NORRIS PETERS 60.. PHOTC-LITHOH WASHINGTON. D, Q

FFTF.

CLUTCH.

Application filed April 30, 1914.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, OSCAR YV. MUELLER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Cincinnati, in the county of Hamilton and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in'Clutches, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to friction clutches;

. and its object is to provide a simple but offective device of this character which may be economically constructed, easily operated and retained in proper condition for operation without much attention.

My invention consists in the parts and in the details of construction and arrangement of parts as will hereinafter be more fully described and claimed.

in the drawings: Figure 1 shows my invention in its preferred construction, the view being a longitudinal section on a line corresponding to the line 0cw of-Fig. 2; Fig. 2 is a transverse section on a line corresponding to the line 1 of Fig. 1, looking to the left; Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation at right angles to the section of Fig. 1, being on a line corresponding to the line ez of Fig. 2, dotted lines showing the released position; Fig. a is a detail end elevation of the core; Fig. 5 is one side elevation of the core; and Fig. 6 is another side elevation of the same taken at right angles to that of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a detail perspective view of one of the retaining springs; Fig. 8 is a detail side elevation of the yoke; Fig. 9 is an end elevation of the yoke; Fig. 10 is a plan view of the segments; Fig. 11 is an end elevation of the same; Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section corresponding to that of Fig. 1, showing a modification; Fig. 18 is a trans verse section corresponding to that of Fig. 2, but further illustrating the modification shown in Fig. 12; and Fig. 14 is a detail end elevation of the segment or ring of this modification.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive, the device is symmetrical, operating at opposite sides of the shaft 1. As shown therein, the shell 2 opens along the shaft in one direction and has a web 3 closing it in the other direction and integral with a hub 4 which is journaled on the shaft 1; this shell 2 with its hub may represent a pulley, gear, or any other element of which it is desired that it may be either free from rotation with the shaft 1, or caused to rotate with the shaft. The interior of the shell 2 has a plain cy- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 1, 1915.

Serial No. 835,352.

lindrical wall concentric with the shaft, and 1n this interior a core 5 is fixed on the shaft 1 by any suitable means, as by the key 6 here shown and the set screw 7 passing radially in through the core and bearing against a flattened place 8 on the shaft, this screw preventing movement of the core longitudinally of the shaft. The general shape of this core 5 is cylindrical, but it has segmental slots 9 diametrically opposite and extending across its periphery from one end to the other. The yoke 10 is cylindrical with a central bore fitting the shaft 1 so that the yoke may slide along the shaft, and with a median annular groove 11 within which may engage any suitable fork or other element for sliding the yoke along the shaft while allowing the yoke to turn. This yoke has, diametrically opposite and extending from its end over into the interior of the shell 2, the arms 12. The core 5 is of considerably less diameter than the interior of the shell 2, thus leaving an annular space therearound, and segments 13 occupy this space with their sides 14 spaced apart and leaving gaps into which the arms 12 extend, these sides bearing against the sides of the arms 12. These segments are held to turn with the core 5 by pins 15 fixed in the periphery of the core, preferably diametrically opposite to each other and at right angles to the diameter on which the slots 9 are located, and extending into holes 16 in the segments, fitting slidably therein. The

arms 12 are, for sake of strength, made of radial depth considerably greater than that of the segments and of the space which the segments occupy, and it is to afford the spaces for the extension of these arms 12 into the shell 2 that the core 5 is provided with the slots 9. The set screw 7, before mentioned, is located at one of these slots 9 while the keyway for the key 6 is preferably located at right angles to the set screw on a line with the pins 15, thus being in the stronger part of the core. The normal radii of the segments 13 are suchthat they will be loose from the concave interior of the shell 2 and fit down against the periphery of the core 5. Moving or spreading these segments 13 outward causes them to make close contact with the interior of the shell 2, and since these segments must turn with the core 5 by the engagement of the pins 15,

and the core 5 turns with the shaft 1 by be.

ing held thereon by the key 6, it will be seen that moving or spreading the segments outward will cause the shell 2 to turn with the shaft 1 or allowing them to recede to normal position will release the shell 2 from the shaft 1. It is the purpose of the arms 12 to effect this spreading of the segments 13,

' and they do this by having sides 17 that taper from their supporting yoke 10 out to their ends in the shell 2; and the sides 14 of the segments 13 that come against these sides 17 of the arms 12 are correspondingly inclined to the axis of the shaft and clutch, as may be seen in Fig. 3 and in Figs. 10 and 11.

1 Thus, if the yoke 10 is moved over toward the shell 2, the arms 12 will wedge the segments outward and effect the clutching action above described; but if the yoke is moved away from the shell 2, the arms 12 without the firmness that they have when pushed out or spread by the arms 12, so that they have an irregular action that cuts and soon destroys the accuracy of the surface of the interior of the shell 2, as well as the outer. surfaces of the segments themselves, so that the effectiveness of the clutch would be practically destroyed in a short time.

I avoid the damaging results above described by providing retaining sprmgs 18 which hold the segments 13 tightly inward against the sides of the arms 12 and the core 5 when the arms 12 are drawn outward, and prevent the se ments from being centrifugally thrown out against the interior of the shell 2; Each of these springs 18 consists of a U-shaped or substantially semi-circular V main part 19, with prongs 20 extending over from the ends of this main part 19, substantially at right angles thereto. 7 Each segment 13 has, near each inclined side let, a socket 21 extending parallel to the axis of the clutch and open at the end or face of the segment that is presented toward the web 3 of the shell 2 and each spring 18 has its prongs 20 extending into the sockets 21 of the two segments at opposite sides of the respective arm 12, as best seen in Figs. 2 and 3. The core 5 is provided with recesses 22 in its inner end or face adjacent to the slots 9 where the springs 18 are located, and the corresponding ends or faces of the segments 13 have recesses 23 extending inward from the sockets 21 toward the recesses 22 ofthe core, so that the main part 19 may thus lie in this recess 22 and 23, back a slight distance from these inner faces of'the core 5 and segments 13, and allowing the core 5 to come very close to the web 3 or inner end of the interior of I the shell 2, as best shown in Figs. 1 and 3.

\Vith these springs 18 thus provided, it will be seen that the main part 19 of each spring will be spread somewhat when the arms 12 force the segments 13 outward, but when the arms 12 recede, these main parts 19 will pull the inclined sides 1% of the segments together and cause them to hug the corresponding inclined or tapered sides 17 of the arms 12, and, if the yoke 10 with the arms 12 has been moved out far enough, the segments 13 will be caused to hug the core 5, thus effectively preventing any contact of any part of the segments 13 with any part of the concave interior of the shell 2, while the clutch is in released position, but not interfering with the spreading of the segments 13 out against the interior of the shell when the parts are being brought into clutching position.

The best results are obtained with the symmetrical arrangement shown in Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive, and just described, and this is especially suitable for heavy work, but for certain lighter constructions, one of the arms and its associated details may be eliminated, as shown in Figs. 12 to 14, inclusive. Here the shaft 1 and shell 2 with its web 3 and hub 1 are shown similar to and for the same purpose as the corresponding parts in the preceding example. The core 5 has the key 6 fixing it on the shaft 1, and has the set screw 7 bearing against the flattened place 8 on the shaft, but has but one slot 9, the set screw 7 being located thereat. The yoke 10 has the groove 11 and slides on the shaft 1, but has but one arm 12 which extends into the shell 2 and into the slot 9 of the core 5 as do each of the arms in the preceding example.

The single segment 13 is here in the form of an incomplete ring, so that a gap 2 1 is left, corresponding to the two gaps in the preceding example, with the inclined sides 14 corresponding to the inclined sides 14 of the segments 13 in the preceding example. This construction may have a single pin 15 which, as shown in the drawing, is fixed in the core 5 diametrically opposite from the slot 9 and engages in an opening 16 in the segment or ring 13 which is diametrically opposite from the gap 2 1 in said ring or segment. It will be understood that the choice of one or two pins will depend upon the amount of power which the clutch must transmit, or upon the speed at which the clutch must transmit a given amount of power; and where one pin is not convenient ly made large enough, a second one may be added. Where two pins are used, they are preferably located diametrically opposite on a line at right angles to the diameter on which the slot 9 is located, as in the preceding example. The inclined sides 17 of the single arm 12 will engage with the inclined sides 14' in the gap 24, flexing the ring or segment 13 and spreading it out against the interior of the shell 2 when the yoke 10 is moved in, and a spring 18 with main part 19 and prongs 20 enterlng sockets 21 close to opposite sides of the gap 24 will draw the ring or segment 13 inward against the arm 12 and the core 5 when the yoke 10 is moved out. The core 5' is preferably provided with the recess 22' and the ring or segment 13 is provided with the recesses 23 to admit main part 19 of the spring 18 with the springs 18 in the preceding example. In this example, the ring or segment 13 is spread outward by virtue of its resiliency, and may have such resiliency that it will resist the centrifugal action when released, and thus not require the assistance of the spring 18.

It will be seen that my invention is capable of some modification without departure from its scope and spirit, and

Therefore, having fully described it, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a clutch, in combination with two elements to turn together or be released from each other, a shell fixed to one element, a core fixed to the other element with a space around the core inside the shell, a segment in this space, means on the core engaging with the segment and causing it to turn with the core, means movable in said space and engaging with said segment to bring it into contact with the interior of the shell when moved in one direction and release it from said contact when moved in the other direction, and a spring drawing the segment away from the interior of the shell when the segment is released by said means.

2. In a clutch, in combination with two elements to rotate together or be released from each other, a shell fixed to one element, a core fixed to the other element with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the element to which it is fixed, a segment in this space, means causing the segment to rotate with the core, means movable axially of the elements and engaging with said segment to move the segment out into contact with the interior of the shell when said means is moved in one direction, or release said segments from the shell when said means is moved in the other direction, and a spring engaging with the segment and drawing it inward when said means releases the segment.

3. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segment parts in this space, each with aside inclined toward the side of the other, means causing the segment parts to rotate with the core, and an arm movable along the shaft and having tapering sides entering between the inclined sides of said segment parts and wedging the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved in one direction and releasing the segment parts from said contact when moved in the other direction.

4. In a clutch, in combination with two sides of said segment parts and wedging the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved in one direction and releasing the segment parts from said contact when moved in the other direction, and a spring engaging with each segment part and extending from the one part to the other, spreading when the segment parts are wedged out into contact with the shell, but contracting and drawing the segment parts out of said contact when released by said arm.

5. In a clutch, in combination with two elements to rotate together or be released from each other, a shell fixed to one element, a core fixed to the other element with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the element to which it is fixed, a segment in this space, means causing the segment to rotate with the core, means movable axially of the elements and engaging said segment to move the segment out into contact with the interior of the shell when said means is moved in one direction, or release said segment from the shell when said means is moved in the other direction, and a spring engaging with the segment and drawing it inward when said means releasesthe segment, said core having a recess admitting said spring.

6. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, a segment in this space, means causing the segment to rotate with the core, means movable along the shaft and engaging with the segment to move the segment out into contact wlth the lnterior of the shell when said means is moved in one direction, or release said segment from the shell when said means pering sides entering between the inclined i is moved inthe other direction, and a spring engaging with the segment and drawing it inward when said means releases the segment, said means comprising a part of radial depth greater than the radial dimension of said space around the core within the shell and than that of said segment, and said core having its periphery recessed to admit said part;

7. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, a segment in this space, means causing the segment to rotate with the core, means movable along the shaft and engaging with the segment to move the segment out into contact with the interior of the shell when said means is moved in one direction, or release said segment from the shell when said means is moved in the other direction, and a spring engaging with the segment and drawing it inward when said means releases the segment, said means comprising a part of radial depth greater than the radial dimension of said space around the core within the shell and than that of said segment, and said core having its periphery recessed to admit said part, said core having a recess admitting said spring.

8, In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element,

a core fixed to said shaft with a space around 'it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segment parts in this. space, each with a side inclined toward the side of the other, means causing the segment parts to rotate with the core, an arm movable along the shaft and having tapering sides entering between the inclined sides of said segment parts and wedging the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved in one direction and releasing the segment parts from said contact when moved in the other direction, said arm being of radial depth greater than the radial dimension of said space around the core within the shell,

I and than that of said segment parts, and said core having a slot across its periphery to admit said arm.

- 9'. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixedto said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around i it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segment parts in this space,each with a side inclined toward the side of the other, means causing said segment parts to turnwith the core, and "an arm movable along the shaft inwardly andoutwardly of the shell and having inclined sides engaging with the inclined sides of the segment parts to wedge the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved inwardly of the shell, but to release said segment parts from said contact when moved outwardly of the shell.

10. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segment parts in this space, each with a side inclined toward the side of the other, means causing said segment parts to turn with the core, an arm movable along the shaft i11- wardly and outwardly of the shell and having inclined sides engaging with the inclined sides of the segment parts to wedge the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved inwardly of the shell, but to release said segment parts from said contact when moved outwardly of the shell, and a spring engaging with each segment part and extending from the one part to the other, spreading when the segment parts are wedged out into contact with the shell, but contracting and drawing the segment parts out of said contact when released by said arm.

11. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft,

segment parts in this space, each with a side inclined toward the side of the other, means causing said segment parts to turn with the core, an arm movable along the shaft inwardly and outwardly of the shell and having inclined sides engaging with the inclined sides of the segment parts to wedge the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved inwardly of the shell, but to release said segment parts from said contact when moved outwardly of the shell, a spring engaging with each segment part and extending from the one part to the other, spreading when the segment parts are wedged out into contact with the'shell, but contracting and drawing the segment parts out of said contact when released by said arm, said arm being of radial depth greater than the radial dimension of said space around the core within the shell and than that of said segment parts, and said core having a slot across its periphery to admit said arm.

12. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft,

segment parts in this space, each with a side inclined toward the side of the other, means causing said segment parts to turn with the core, an arm movable along the shaft in wardly and outwardly of the shell and having inclined sides engaging with the inclined sides of the segment parts to wedge the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved inwardly of the shell, but to release said segment parts from said contact when moved out wardly of the shell, a spring engaging with each segment part and extending from the one part to the other, spreading when the segment parts are wedged out into contact with the shell, but contracting and drawing the segment parts out of said contact when released by said arm, said core having a recess admitting said spring.

13. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, se ment parts in this space, each with a side inclined toward the side of the other, means causing said segment parts to turn with the core, an arm movable along the shaft in wardly and outwardly of the shell and having inclined sides engaging with the inclined sides of the segment parts to wedge the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved inwardly of the shell, but to release said segment parts from said contact when moved outwardly of the shell, and a spring engaging with each segment part and extending from the one part to the other, spreading when the segment parts are wedged out into contact with the shell, but contracting and drawing the seg ment parts out of said contact when released by said arm, said core and said segment parts having recesses admitting said spring.

14. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segment parts in this space, each with a side inclined toward the side of the other, means causing said segment parts to turn with the core, an arm movable along the shaft inwardly and outwardly of the shell and having inclined sides engaging with the inclined sides of the segment parts to wedge the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved inwardly of the shell, but to release said segment parts from said contact when moved outwardly of the shell, a spring engaging with each segment part and extending from the one part to the other, spreading when the segment parts are wedged out into contact with the shell, but

contracting and drawing the segment parts out of said contact when released by said arm, said core and said segment parts having recesses admitting said spring, said arm being of radial depth greater than the radial dimension of said space around the core within the shell and than that of said segment parts, and said core having a slot across its periphery to admit said arm.

15. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segment parts in this space, each with a side inclined toward the side of the other, means causing said segment parts to turn with the core, an arm movable along the shaft i11- wardly and outwardly of the shell and having inclined sides engaging with the inclined sides of the segment parts to wedge the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell when moved inwardly of the shell, but to release said segment parts from said contact when moved outwardly of the shell, and resilient means comprised in the clutch by which the segment parts are drawn away from the interior of the shell when released from said contact.

16. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segments flanking the core in this space and each having a side inclined to the adjacent side of the other at sides of the core, pins engaging with the core and with the respective segments to cause the segments to turn with the core, a yoke slidable along the shaft, arms on the yoke extending into the space in the shell between the adjacent inclined sides of the segments and having inclined sides to wedge between the inclined sides of the segments and spread the segments out into contact with the interior of the shell when the yoke is moved toward the shell and to release said segments from said contact when .the yoke is moved away from the shell.

' 17. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the inte rior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segments flanking the core in this space and each having a side inclined to the adjacent side of the other at sides of the core, pins engaging with the core and with the respective segments to cause the segments to turn with the core, a yoke slidable along the shaft, arms on the yoke extending into the space in the shell between the adjacent inclined sides of the segments and having inclined sides to wedge between the inclined sides of the segments and spread the segments out into contact with the interior of the shell when the yoke is moved toward the shell and to release said segments from said contact when the yoke is moved away from theshell, and springs, each extending acrossfrom one segment to the other at the respective side of the core, each of said'springs engaging with the segments, and being spread with the segments when they are spread outward, but contracting and drawing the segments inward out of contact with the shell when the segments are released from said contact.

.18. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an elementto rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell'being concentric with the shaft, segments flanking the core in this space and each having a side inclined to the adjacent side of the other at sides of the 'core,pins engaging with the core and with the respective segments to cause the seg ments to turn with the core, a yoke slidable along the shaft, arms on the yoke extending into the space in the shell between the ad jjacent inclined sides of the segments and shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft,

a the shell when the yoke is moved toward the shell and to release said segments from sald contact Whenthe yoke 1S moved away 7 from the shell, and springs, each extending across from one segment to the other at the respective side of the core, each of said springs engaging with the segments, and being spread with the segments when they are spread outward, but contracting and drawing the segments inward out of contact with the shell when the segments are released from said contact, said core and segments having recesses admitting said springs.

tive segments to cause the segments to turn with the core, a yoke slidable along the shaft, arms on the yoke extending into the space in the shell between the adjacent inclined sides of the segments and having inclined sides to wedge between the inclined sides of the segments and spread the segments out into contact with the interior of the shell when the yoke is moved toward the shell and to release said segments from said contact when the yoke is moved away from the shell, and springs, each extending across from one segment to the other at the respective side of the core, each of said springs engaging with the segments, and being spread with the segments when they are spread outward, but contracting and drawing the segments inward out of contact with the shell when the segments are released from said contact, each of said arms being of radial depth greater than that of the space around the core inside the shell, and than that of the segments, said core having slots across its periphery admitting said arms, said core and said segments having recesses admitting said springs.

21. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft,

segments flanking the core in this space and each having a side inclined to the adj acent side of the other at sides of the core, pins engaging with the core and with the respective segments to cause the segments to turn with the core, a yoke slidable along the shaft, arms on the yoke extending into the space in the shell between the adjacent inclined sides of the segments and having inclined sides to wedge between the inclined sides of the segments and spread the segments out into contact with the interior of the shell when the yoke is moved toward the shell and to release said segments from said contact when the yoke is moved away from the shell, each of said segments having a socket opening in its outer face toward the yoke, near each inclined side of the segment, and a spring comprising a main part curving around and having prongs entering the sockets in the opposite segments, said main part of the spring being spread when the segments are moved outward, but contracting and drawing the segments inward when they are released.

22. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft,

segments flanking the core in this space and each having a side lncllned to the ad]acent side of the other at sides of the core, pins engaging wlth the coreand with the reclined sides to wedge between the inclined sides of the segments and'spread the segments out into contact with the interior of the shell when the yoke is moved toward the shell and to release said segments from said contact when the yoke is moved away from the shell, each of said segments having a socket opening in its outer face toward the yoke, near each inclined side of the segment, and a spring comprising a main part curving around and having prongs entering the sockets in the opposite segments, said main part of the spring being spread when the segments are moved outward, but contracting and drawing the segments inward when they are released, said core and segments having recesses admitting said springs.

28. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segments flanking the core in this space and each having a side inclined to the adjacent side of the other at sides of the core, pins engaging with the core and with the respective segments to cause the segments to turn with the core, a yoke slidable along the shaft, arms on the yoke extending into the space in the shell between the adjacent inclined sides of the segments and having inclined sides to wedge between the inclined sides of the segments and spread the segments out into contact with the interior of the shell when the yoke is moved toward the shell and'torelease said segments from said contact when the yoke is moved away from the shell,each of said segments having a socket opening in its outer face toward the yoke, near each inclined side of the segment, and a spring comprising a main part curving around and having prongs entering the sockets in the opposite segments, said main part of the spring being spread whenthe segments are moved outward, but contracting and drawing the segments inward when they are released, each of said arms being of radial depth greater than that of the space around the core inside the shell, and than that of the segments, said core having slots across its periphery admitting sa1d arms, sa1d core and sa1d seg- 24. In a clutch, in combination with a having recesses admitting shaft and an element to rotate with or be,

released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segment parts flanking the core in this space, means'c ausing the segment parts to turn with the core, an arm movable in said space between the segment parts and bearing against the segment parts, contacting sides of the arm and of one of the segment parts being inclined tothe direction of movement of the arm, whereby the segment part is moved outward into contact with the inside of the shell when the arm is moved in one direction and released from said contact when the arm is moved in the other direction, each of said segment parts having a socket extending into it substantially parallel with the direction of movement of the arm, and a spring comprising a main part curving around and having prongs entering the sockets in the segment parts, said main part of the spring being spread when the segment parts are moved outward, but contracting and drawing the segment parts inward when they are released.

25. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft, segment parts flanking the core in this space, means causing the segment parts to turn with said core, a yoke slidable along the shaft, an arm on the yoke extending into the space in the shell between the segment parts and bearing against the sides of the segment parts, contacting sides of said arm and of one of the segment parts being inclined to the direction of movement of said arm as carried by said yoke when it slides along the shaft, whereby a movement of the yoke with the arm, in one direction, moves the 26. In a clutch, in combination with a.

shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fiXedto said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft,

segment parts flanking the core in this space, means causing the segment parts to turn with said core, a yoke slidable along the shaft, an arm on the yoke extending into the space in the shell between the segment parts and bearing against the sides of the segment parts, contacting sides of said arm and ofone of the segment parts being inclined to the direction of movement of said arm as carried by said yoke when it slides along the shaft, whereby a movement of the yokexwith the arm, in-one direction, moves the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell, and movement thereof in the other direction releases said segment parts from said contact, each of said segment parts having a socket opening in its outer face toward the yoke near said arm, and a spring comprising a main part curving around and having prongs entering the sockets in the opposite segment parts, said main part .of the spring being spread when the segment parts are moved outward, but contracting and drawing the segment parts inward when they are released, said core and segment parts having recesses in said faces admitting said spring.

27. In a clutch, in combination with a shaft and an element to rotate with or be released from the shaft, a shell fixed to said element, a core fixed to said shaft with a space around it inside the shell, the interior of the shell being concentric with the shaft,

' segment parts flanking the core in this space,

and of one of the segment parts being inclined to the direction of movement of said arm as carried by said yoke when it slides along the shaft, whereby a movement of the yoke with the arm, in one direction, moves the segment parts out into contact with the interior of the shell, and movement thereof in the other direction releases said segment parts from said contact, each of said segment parts having a socket opening in its outer face toward the yoke near said arm, and a spring comprising a main part curving around and having prongs entering the sockets in the opposite segment parts, said main part of the spring being spread when the segment parts are moved outward, but contracting and drawing the segment parts inward when they are released, said arm being of radial depth greater than that of the space around the core inside the shell and than that part of the segment parts, said core having a slot across its periphery admitting said arm, said core and said segment parts having recesses admitting said spring.

OSCAR W. MUELLER. Witnesses:

JAMES N. RAMSEY, CLARENCE PERDEW.

copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

. Washington, .D. G. 

